1958 Ford 17 vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1971 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 17 would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 500 kg more than 1958 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
